The latest ATO quarterly SMSF statistics have confirmed 2025/26 as being a record year of growth for the sector with more than 50,000 funds being set up over the period.
The June quarter 2026 alone saw 12,264 SMSFs established, bringing the total number of fund members across the nation to 1.24 million.
The data also revealed the continuation of SMSFs having appeal for younger Australians, with individuals between the ages of 35 and 44 accounting for the largest number of new funds set up and new members.
Specifically, this demographic made up 39.1 per cent of new members, with six out of 10 people aged between 35 and 49 becoming first-time trustees.
SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess indicated the record number of SMSF establishments over the 2026 financial year shows Australians are taking a greater interest in their superannuation and are wanting increased engagement in their long-term financial future.
Burgess added the trend should not be a surprise given the evolution of the country’s retirement savings system.
“This trend should come as little surprise. For anyone under 50 in the workforce, compulsory superannuation has been a constant throughout their working life. With the superannuation guarantee now at 12 per cent, retirement savings are building more quickly and members are taking a greater interest in how those savings are invested and managed,” he noted.
“While super remains preserved for retirement, there is a growing desire for greater choice, control and transparency.
“For many, superannuation is no longer something that sits in the background, but is now an important part of building and managing their overall wealth. The age and income profile of new entrants suggests SMSFs continue to attract engaged Australians with the financial capacity and motivation to actively manage their retirement outcomes.”
He emphasised SMSFs are not the appropriate retirement savings vehicle for everyone, but are clearly providing a suitable option for individuals seeking greater control, transparency and choice with regard to funding their retirement years.
“Record SMSF establishments shows the SMSF sector has risen to this challenge and is heeding the changing needs of its members,” he noted.
Darin Tyson-Chan
Editor
Darin is the founder and publisher of Benchmark Media, an independent publishing house whose mastheads include financialobserver, selfmanagedsuper and smstrusteenews. He has been covering the financial services space for over a decade and in this time he has worked for a variety of trade publications. Darin has also written for the Money section published in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Articles by Darin